Don Quijote Shopping Guide: 20 Japanese Souvenirs Worth Buying

20 souvenirs to buy at Don Quijote

Don Quijote stocks everything from Japan's classic bestsellers to the items overseas visitors love most. Here are 20 of our favorites, with guide prices. Prices vary from store to store and change over time.

Cosmetics and skincare (7 items)

Japanese cosmetics and skincare have an excellent reputation worldwide, and at Don Quijote you can pick up the popular brands at impressive prices.

1. Lululun face masks (about ¥1,620 for 32 sheets) Billed as Japan's best-selling sheet mask five years running, Lululun comes in value packs designed for daily use, with a version for every skin concern. Popular choices include Lululun Precious RED (Moist) for everyday hydration, Precious GREEN (Balance) for aging care and Precious WHITE (Clear) for a brighter, clearer look. Keep an eye out for seasonal and regional editions too, such as Okinawa sea grape and Hokkaido melon.

2. Kose Clear Turn Princess Veil face masks (about ¥880 for 5 sheets) A step up from Lululun for more intensive care, these masks are rich in hyaluronic acid, collagen and other beauty ingredients that leave skin deeply moisturized. They are ideal when your skin feels dry, or as a special treat the night before a big day.

3. Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip (about ¥400) A face wash known for its fine, dense foam. It cleans deep into the pores yet leaves skin soft rather than tight. It is often far cheaper in Japan than overseas, so many shoppers buy several at once.

4. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion (about ¥900) Known as the "legendary hyaluronic acid lotion", this toner has a slightly thick texture and contains several types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and keep it moist for hours. Fans say the original Japanese formula feels even more hydrating than the overseas versions.

5. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (about ¥2,400) An olive-oil-based cleansing oil that is a household name in Japan. It lifts heavy makeup and clogged pores while staying gentle on the skin. The 200 ml bottle lasts around six months, which makes it excellent value.

6. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (about ¥600) A sunscreen that feels as light as water on the skin. It gives high UV protection without leaving a white cast and works as a makeup primer too. It is a bestseller around the world, and at Don Quijote it can cost about 30 percent less than at Japan's airport duty-free shops.

7. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (about ¥650) A long-selling lotion made with hatomugi (Job's tears) in a generous 500 ml bottle you can use freely, and a good choice for sensitive skin. It helps prevent rough skin and smooths its texture, and because you can use it all over the body, it is especially handy in dry seasons.

Japan-only snacks and sweets (6 items)

Japan is full of flavors you won't find abroad, plus sweets sold only in certain regions. Any of these makes a souvenir that is sure to please.

8. Japan-only KitKat (about ¥500 to ¥800 per box) Japan is said to have produced more than 300 KitKat flavors, and the special editions you can only buy here are the most popular:

   • Uji matcha: A rich green-tea flavor that is a huge hit with overseas visitors.
   • Sakura mochi: A spring-only flavor with a delicate cherry blossom aroma that captures Japan's spring.
   • Tokyo Banana: A Tokyo-only flavor named after the city's classic banana-cream sponge cake (item 10), and handy to find at Don Quijote.
   • Hokkaido melon: A Hokkaido-only edition with the luxurious flavor of Hokkaido melon.
   • Strawberry cheesecake: The sweet-sour tang of strawberry meets the richness of cheesecake. The 12-piece mini boxes are perfect for handing out to friends and colleagues.

9. Royce' Potato Chip Chocolate (about ¥800) Potato chips coated in chocolate sound like an odd pairing, but this sweet-and-salty treat from Hokkaido is addictive after the first bite. It is famous as a Hokkaido souvenir, yet some Don Quijote stores in Tokyo and Osaka stock it too.

10. Tokyo Banana "Mitsuketta" (about ¥1,100 for 8) Tokyo's signature souvenir: a banana-shaped sponge cake filled with smooth banana custard cream. Its fluffy texture and gentle sweetness appeal to all ages.

11. Shiroi Koibito (about ¥800 for 12) Crisp langue de chat biscuits sandwiching the brand's own white chocolate, one of Sapporo's most famous sweets. It is a classic Hokkaido souvenir, but Don Quijote stores around the country sometimes sell it too.

12. Meiji Apollo chocolate (about ¥200) Tiny cone-shaped chocolates that pair strawberry and chocolate, with a nostalgic flavor. They are cheap enough to buy in bulk and share out.

13. Special-flavor Pocky and Pretz (about ¥200 to ¥400) Beyond the classics, Japan sells Pocky and Pretz in flavors you rarely see overseas, such as matcha, sakura, strawberry cream and chocolate almond crush. Try a few and find your favorite.

Drinks (2 items)

Japanese drinks are known for their quality and variety. Take a taste of Japan home and enjoy it at your own pace.

14. Suntory Hibiki whisky miniature (about ¥3,500) The 180 ml miniature of Hibiki, one of Japan's most famous whiskies, is easy to pack and makes a great souvenir. With its beautiful bottle and delicate, rich aroma, it is a gift any whisky lover will appreciate.

15. Uji matcha powder (about ¥1,500 per box) High-quality matcha from Uji in Kyoto. Whisk it with hot water to drink, or use it in lattes, smoothies and baking. It tastes far better than ordinary supermarket matcha.

Everyday essentials (3 items)

Japanese household goods are known for being practical and well made. These are easy to use every day, whether you buy them for yourself or as gifts.

16. Kao Merit shampoo (about ¥500) A shampoo many Japanese families have used for years. Its silicone-free formula is gentle on the scalp and helps control dandruff and itching, with a clean, fresh finish. It is worth trying during your stay.

17. MegRhythm steam hot eye masks (about ¥1,200 for 12) Self-heating eye masks that release gentle warm steam as soon as you open them. They soothe tired eyes and help you relax, which makes them ideal on a long flight or back at the hotel. They are especially popular with office workers.

18. Kiribai disposable heat packs (about ¥800) Kairo (disposable heat packs) are essential for a winter trip to Japan. There are stick-on and non-stick types, versions for your socks and more, and each keeps you warm for about 12 hours. They are a lifesaver in Hokkaido in winter and in Tokyo from December to February.

Anime and otaku finds (2 items)

Japanese anime, manga and pop culture have fans all over the world, and Don Quijote is a good place to dip into Japan's otaku culture.

19. Anime figures and capsule toys (gachapon) Large Don Quijote stores, especially those in pop-culture hubs such as the Akihabara store, stock figures of popular anime characters and a huge range of capsule toys. The third floor of the Akihabara store has more than 100 capsule-toy machines, perfect for hunting down a hidden gem. Our Akihabara guide covers the rest of the neighborhood.

20. School-uniform cosplay costumes (about ¥3,000 to ¥5,000) Costumes based on Japanese school uniforms, such as sailor suits and blazers, are popular for Halloween, events and themed photo shoots. Don Quijote sells convincing costumes that are easy to pick up.

Major Don Quijote stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Sapporo

Don Quijote has stores all over Japan. These are some of the most popular with overseas visitors in the major cities, with what makes each one different.

Tokyo

• MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten

  • Address: 28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Nearest station: About 5 minutes' walk from the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
  • Highlights: Close to Shibuya Station, with a huge sales floor spread over seven levels, from the basement to the sixth floor. It stocks food, daily goods, electronics, clothing, cosmetics and toys, as well as souvenirs recommended by the Shibuya City Tourism Association. The Shibuya annex is nearby if you want to visit both.

• Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho

  • Address: 1-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Nearest station: About 5 minutes' walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, or about 3 minutes from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
  • Highlights: A landmark at the entrance to Kabukicho, Japan's biggest entertainment district. It carries some 50,000 to 60,000 items, including medicines, cosmetics, daily goods, clothing, electronics, brand-name goods, tobacco and alcohol.

• Don Quijote Akihabara

  • Address: 4-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
  • Hours: Open 24 hours, although some floors keep shorter hours (from 9:00 or 10:00 until 5:00 the next morning)
  • Nearest station: About 3 minutes' walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station, or about 3 minutes from Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro)
  • Highlights: Especially strong on Akiba-style goods and cosplay costumes. The building also houses a maid café and the AKB48 Theater (8th floor). A must for anime and game fans.

Osaka

• Don Quijote Dotonbori

  • Address: 7-13 Soemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka
  • Hours: Open 24 hours (the tax-free counter may offer limited service late at night)
  • Nearest station: About 5 minutes' walk from Exit 14 of Namba Station (Osaka Metro)
  • Highlights: Easy to spot by the Ebisu Tower Ferris wheel on its facade. It is one of the busiest stores for overseas visitors, and the tourist information center on the first floor has multilingual staff. Combine it with the snacks in our Dotonbori street food guide.

• Don Quijote Umeda Honten

  • Address: 4-16 Komatsubaracho, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0018
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Nearest station: About 5 minutes' walk from Umeda Station (Osaka Metro), Osaka-umeda Station (Hankyu and Hanshin) and JR Osaka Station
  • Highlights: Near Osaka Station, with a wide range of goods over five floors. Locals shop here as well as visitors, and the location is very convenient.

Kyoto

• Don Quijote Shinkyogoku
  • Location: In the Shinkyogoku shopping arcade near the Shijo-Kawaramachi crossing, in the heart of Kyoto's busiest sightseeing and shopping district
  • Highlights: Handy to drop into during a day of sightseeing in central Kyoto. Check the current opening hours before you go.

Sapporo

• Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji
  • Location: In the Tanukikoji shopping arcade in central Sapporo
  • Highlights: Popular with visitors, with a good range of Hokkaido souvenirs. Check the current opening hours before you go.

Tips for shopping at Don Quijote

A little planning makes a Donki trip more comfortable and even better value.

Pick your time

• Tuesday and Wednesday mornings: Quieter than weekends and evenings, with shorter queues at the checkout. Ideal if you want to browse at leisure.
• Late evening (around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM): A good time to find markdowns, such as snacks near their best-before date at 30 percent off.
• Times to avoid: Weekends and public holidays, especially from about 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, when stores are packed. The same goes for major holiday periods such as Lunar New Year.

Check how you'll pay

Don Quijote accepts many payment methods, although what is available can vary by store.

• Cash: Accepted at every store.
• Credit cards: Major brands, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express and Diners Club.
• E-money: iD, QUICPay, Rakuten Edy and transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO.
• QR code payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at the main stores that see many overseas visitors. Some QR payment services, such as PayPay and d-barai, may not be accepted.
• majica: Don Quijote's own e-money card. You earn points when you top it up, which makes it the best-value way to pay if you shop there often.

Plan your packing

• Shopping bags: Plastic bags cost about ¥3 to ¥5 each. Pick up a reusable tote beforehand, for example at a 100-yen shop.
• Free cardboard boxes: If you buy a lot, staff will often give you a cardboard box for free if you ask.
• Protect fragile items: If you're buying anything breakable, bring your own bubble wrap or other padding.

Things to check before you buy

A few points will help you avoid surprises.

• Voltage: Japan runs on 100 V, while many countries use 220 V (Vietnam and China, for example). Before buying electronics, check that they will work at home or whether you'll need a transformer.
• Tax-free alcohol: If you buy whisky or other alcohol tax-free, keep it sealed until you leave Japan, or it loses its tax-free status. Countries also limit how much alcohol you can bring in, so check your own country's allowance.
• Best-before and use-by dates: When buying food and sweets, check the best-before date (賞味期限, shomi kigen) and the use-by date (消費期限, shohi kigen). Items close to their date are sometimes discounted, but skip them unless you'll eat them soon.
• Shop at genuine stores: Don Quijote is a chain run by a listed company and does not sell fakes. Watch out, though, for small stalls that copy its logo or branding. Look for the blue Donpen penguin and the official "DON QUIJOTE" name.
• Returns and exchanges: Returns and exchanges are possible only under certain conditions: the item must be unused and unopened, you need the receipt, and you must go back to the store where you bought it. Ask about the time limit when you buy. Returning a tax-free purchase also means undoing the tax exemption, which adds paperwork, so be sure before you buy.

Quick answers

Is Don Quijote really open 24 hours? Many stores are, including every Tokyo and Osaka store listed above. Opening hours differ at some stores, so check before a late-night visit.

What is the minimum spend for tax-free shopping? At least ¥5,000 before tax in the same store on the same day, and you must show your passport.

Is Don Quijote cheaper than a supermarket? Many items cost 10 to 20 percent less than at an ordinary supermarket. Its real strength for visitors is buying everything on your list in one place.

Should I buy electronics at Don Quijote? For large electronics such as laptops and cameras, big electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera have a much wider range of models and are often cheaper. Wherever you buy electronics in Japan, check that they will work on your home voltage.

Summary: make Don Quijote your last stop

Don Quijote packs Japanese cosmetics, Japan-only snacks, whisky, everyday essentials and anime goods under one roof, and many stores never close. Bring your passport so you can shop tax-free, check the tax-free rules in force when you travel, and go on a quiet weekday morning if you can. Keep the list above to hand and you can finish all your souvenir shopping in a single visit.

For more on specific stores, late-night shopping and the majica card, see our Don Quijote strategy guide.